Technology Transition Research Articles

A Piezoelectric Coded-Excitation Scanning Acoustic Transducer for Lamb Wave Inspections

Abstract Several techniques for Guided Wave (GW) inspections have already been developed. Most of them rely on extensive sensor deployment and damage localization algorithms characterized by significant computational costs. However, there is a growing demand for simpler, more autonomous, and more affordable systems across various fields. In particular, the implementation of wireless, battery-powered systems with a reduced number of sensor nodes and simpler processing would greatly facilitate the transition of this inspection technology on the field. Following this direction, this work presents the design of a novel piezoelectric transducer composed of four different patches, i.e. with only four input/output channels, to scan a given area. The peculiar piezo-load distributions allow the association of different spectral binary sequences for each 6° discrete angular step. Since the transducer is designed as an encoder, it is referred to as Coded-Excitation Scanning Acoustic Transducer (CESAT). More specifically, the Gray Code is used to generate spectral patterns to reduce the uncertainty between two adjacent angular steps. A new quantization procedure for the optimal generation of the piezo distributions is also proposed. Ad hoc signal processing algorithms, suitable for embedded applications, were developed to extract multi-target range and angle information. The processing is based on the frequency decomposition of the recorded signal using an FIR filter bank and on dispersion compensation procedures for pulse "re-compression". The transducer encoder behaviour is validated through a Finite Element (FE) analysis. Finally, numerical simulations were performed to assess the effectiveness of the CESAT and associated signal processing in multi-defect detection and localization tasks.

On the gendering of the early American electric car

The role of gender relations in shaping technological transitions is widely acknowledged but remains understudied. This study uses historical data to analyze the gendering of early 20th century American cars and its consequences. Previous research has argued that early electric vehicles were construed as a women’s car, contributing to its demise. Other work has questioned to what extent automotive preferences were gendered. The results of this study suggest a partially new interpretation. Early advertisements for electrics targeted business and family men, challenging the view of cars as “adventure machines”. However, as electrics declined, producers turned to feminization to survive competition from gasoline cars, a response to declining market shares, rather than the opposite. This made electric cars part of a conservative separate spheres gender ideology. The results stress the co-construction of gender and technology and how gendering processes can create powerful lock-in effects and barriers to (sustainability) transitions.

Where intersectional feminism doesn't fit: Energy transition and Ubuntu feminism?

Intersectional feminism has criticised neoliberal tendencies of energy access instructively through the intersectionality lens. The intersectional influence has resulted in the enactment of increased female and gender-sensitive energy policies under the banner of gendering energy poverty. That said, feminism has tended to draw much from Western philosophy–such that we remain dangerously focused on autonomous individuals. Drawing on Ubuntu feminism, I argue that our possibilities for just energy use lie in communality, particularly how it conceives the obligated ‘social bond’ rather than individualism and subordination. Through a conceptual paper exploring Ubuntu feminism, I challenge scholars of energy transition to perceive gendered ‘energy access’ through a deep appreciation of human interdependence, intersubjectivity, and relationality. More specifically, I propose nine grounds for Ubuntu feminism in energy analysis and practice, arguing that this is a promising relational ethic that merits application to energy matters. Any imperative to act morally is easier to understand through the prism of human interaction or put differently, within the context of relationships, than when viewed in the isolation of individual conduct. This analysis is timely because there is an urgent need for a more comprehensive moral energy policy to move from one that only seeks to ‘include’ women in technology and energy transition.

Re-imagining the use of integrated assessment models from a social science perspective—lessons from the Sustainable Development Pathways (SDP)

Abstract Socio-political factors in Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs), and their scenario narratives often lack transparency for policymakers and interdisciplinary scholars. As these tools increasingly support sustainable development goals, their assumptions and methodologies require scrutiny, particularly from social scientists. We address critiques of climate isolationism, overemphasis on technological transitions, and insufficient inter- and transdisciplinarity, advocating for robust interdisciplinary integration and clearer methodological transparency. Our recommendations stem from expert interviews and over 200 stakeholders across 30 countries from 2019 to 2024, emphasizing the need for cohesive theory and comprehensive social science engagement to refine these critical tools.
Our main case study uses a new scenario set, the Sustainable Development Pathways (SDPs), that made substantial efforts to address social sciences critiques. The SDPs consist of both narratives and IAM-quantified target-seeking scenarios that are supported by social science concepts and theories to ensure not only theoretical coherence, but also their credibility among policymakers. As such tools are increasingly used to facilitate policies and actions for sustainability transformation, questions are raised about how they can effectively represent the complexities behind the current polycrisis that is marked by the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, economic inequality and social injustice. 
The paper concludes by reflecting on the remaining challenges and open questions related to the role of exogenous sociopolitical factors, the potential for scenarios to transcend political ideologies, and the need for ongoing adaptation of SDPs to reflect the dynamic global context. It calls for continued engagement and exploration of these issues to ensure the scientific representation of sustainable and equitable futures.

FROM TRADITIONAL TO DIGITAL EDUCATION: A NEW PARADIGM

The digital revolution in education has significantly transformed the educational landscape, marking the transition from the blackboard to the digital board. This study aimed to analyze the impact and potential of this technological transition on pedagogical practices and the teaching-learning process in the Brazilian context. The research used a qualitative approach, based on a systematic bibliographic review of Brazilian academic sources from the last 10 years, including dissertations, theses and scientific articles. The results indicated that the effective incorporation of digital technologies can increase student engagement, promote collaboration and develop essential skills for the 21st century. It was observed that the success of this integration depends on adequate teacher training, the implementation of appropriate educational policies and the development of technological infrastructure in schools. Significant challenges were identified, including issues of equity in access to technologies, the need for curricular adaptation and the importance of balancing traditional methods with digital innovations. The research highlighted the potential of digital technologies to promote more inclusive and personalized education, as well as the creation of hybrid learning environments. It was concluded that the transition to the digital framework represents an opportunity to reinvent Brazilian education, requiring a joint effort from educators, managers and policy makers to ensure effective and equitable implementation, preparing students for the challenges of the future.

The Twin Transformation: Navigating Digitalization and Sustainability in Taiwan’s Public Library System

ABSTRACT This study examines the twin transformation of digitalization and sustainability within Taiwan’s public library system using ambidexterity theory. Through a case study approach, it explores how public libraries balance digital innovation with the optimization of sustainable practices, analyzing their impact on operations, services, and resource management. Focusing on Taiwan’s public library system, the research identifies best practices for integrating these initiatives. By applying ambidexterity theory, the study offers insights into how libraries can innovate while maintaining traditional functions, fostering social equity, and reducing environmental impact, providing guidance for global libraries navigating technological and sustainable transitions.

Methods of Balancing Technological Systems of Multiproduct Production

The functioning of the machine-building industry has its specifics, particularly periodic changes in the range (size, configuration, and others) of manufactured products. In addition, it is essential to consider the need to reduce the time spent on the production of each unit. Almost continuous changes in technology, failures in the supply of raw materials, uncoordinated logistics, and many other factors often cause significant and unproductive costs, leading to an increase in the technological stage. The most promising direction to reduce the technological time of manufacturing products by multiproduct enterprises is to reduce the waiting time owing to the uniform distribution of each technological transition according to the state of the available workshop equipment (plant, production area, enterprise). This study proposes a novel model of technological systems that enables the adaptation of technological processes for part manufacturing and comprises data structures that define their technical capabilities. The proposed algorithm facilitates a reduction in downtime and an increase in equipment utilization factor. It is possible to optimize the technological processes that change the structure of each production operation to adapt to the existing technology. Testing this methodology demonstrated a significant increase of 8% in the process utilization rate of machinery.

Reinventing the global oil capital: The sociotechnical dynamics of industrial net-zero megaprojects in Texas

Texas, the “energy capital of the world,” is undergoing a widescale technological transition in response to recent climate policies in the United States. There is immense potential for industrial decarbonization in Texas—which already has extensive experience with carbon capture and enhanced oil recovery—and thousands of miles of hydrogen and CO2 transport pipelines. Successful reorientation of its industry towards net-zero could provide a blueprint to industrial regions elsewhere. This article investigates industrial decarbonization megaprojects using the Triple-Embeddedness Framework (TEF), which emphasizes the region as a sociotechnical and industrial regime. Through a longitudinal analysis of five temporal TEF phases, we uncover significant reorientation as new constellations of industrial actors coalesce and consolidate. Nevertheless, some technological dimensions of the industry regime are resistant to systematic, whole systems change, such as blue hydrogen and CO2 capture hubs—which are tethered to fossil fuel production.

Air Quality Benefits of Renewable Energy: Evidence from China’s Renewable Energy Heating Policy

This paper examines the impact of renewable energy heating on air quality in China, using the Qinling Mountains–Huaihe River line as a quasi-natural experiment to distinguish between regions with central heating and those without. Employing a difference-in-differences approach and analyzing panel data from 298 cities between 2014 and 2022, our findings indicate that the renewable energy heating policy has significantly improved air quality. Specifically, the policy led to substantial improvements in air quality, reducing concentrations of key pollutants: SO2 by 28.31%, CO by 7.57%, NO2 by 5.72%, and PM2.5 by 7.15%. The policy’s effects are most pronounced in regions with lower temperatures and in the eastern parts of the country. Further analysis emphasizes the critical role of energy transition, environmental regulations, and government investment in technology as key drivers of these air quality improvements.

A novel taxonomy for facilitating in-depth comparison of continuing engineering education practices

IntroductionThis study addresses the urgent need for standardized frameworks in Continuing Engineering Education (CEE) to support lifelong learning in the rapidly evolving global workforce. Significant events, such as the Digital Transformation and the rise of artificial intelligence, have highlighted the demand for adaptable and diverse learning systems, especially in engineering education. On the one hand, the World Economic Forum's, 2023 Future of Jobs Report predicts a transformation in 44% of workers’ core skills within 5 years, with engineering facing substantial labor shortages. On the other hand, the Paris Agreement’s call for sustainable development necessitates a workforce with skills aligned with the green transition.MethodsThe research introduces an innovative framework taxonomy that categorizes and organizes CEE programs by integrating standardized terminologies. It focuses on critical elements such as resourcing, organizational models, and program development strategies to provide a comprehensive structure that supports consistency and comparability across diverse educational contexts.ResultsUnlike existing models, the proposed framework enhances cross-institutional learning and dissemination of best practices. It identifies key components required for effective CEE management, filling a critical gap in the literature. The study’s output is a taxonomy for discussing and comparing CEE institutional approaches and practices to advance the field and foster a global CEE community committed to excellence in engineering education.DiscussionsThis study equips educators, policymakers, and industry leaders with a practical tool to design, implement, and scale CEE programs. It ultimately fosters a skilled workforce prepared to meet the challenges of future technological and sustainable transitions, supporting the development of a standardized approach to CEE.

Evolution of water technology from a structural perspective

Rivers are cradles of human civilisations and continual innovations in water technologies are the key to sustainable human development. Yet, limited research has explored the interactive dynamics among different technologies, hindering our ability to effectively manage technological transition. This paper presents a framework that conceptualizes water technology as a complex adaptive system containing three interrelated sub-systems: water demand, water supply, and water management. The interactions among these sub-systems were measured using three network-based metrics: intensity, brokerage, and efficiency. Patents registered in the World Intellectual Property Organization from 1863 to 2020 were used as the data source. It was found that 40,304 patents from 44 countries were registered, with 40% of them belonging to the water management sub-system, followed by water supply (35%), and water demand (25%). Technological development in the three sub-systems presented linear growth over the past 160 years, focusing on water treatment, hydroelectric power, hydraulic engineering and water monitoring. The water-demand sub-system was identified as the structural “bottleneck” with the highest brokerage value, which was considered crucial for knowledge transfer between the other two sub-systems. Overall, the water technology system is characterized by slow development, skewed spatial coverage, categorical homogeneity, and structural imbalances, limiting our ability to address the escalating global water threats.

Political Economy of Agriculture and Food Policy in Africa

This article reviews the literature on the political economy of agricultural and food policy in sub-Saharan Africa. In doing so, it first presents a conceptual framework highlighting that agricultural and food policy decisions are contingent on the intersection between governance structures, the preferences and pressures from societal interest groups, and international dynamics. The interrelations among these three factors are then examined across several different sets of policy instruments that have been the focus of traditional political economy research in the region: trade, tax, and marketing policies; public investments and regulations; input and food subsidies; and cross-cutting policies for value chain development. Recognizing several broader demographic, technology, and governance transitions in the region, the article also highlights key areas for future analysis that examine the role of cities in food policy, the possibilities presented by expanded mobile phone and Internet access, and the efficacy of new public administration modalities for policy implementation.

Minimizing Business Disruption During Enterprise End-Point OS Upgrade while Maintaining a Robust Security Posture

The deployment of a major end-point operating system (OS) upgrade presents significant challenges for enterprise organizations, requiring a comprehensive strategy to minimize business disruption and maintain a robust security posture. Beyond the operational complexities of managing user productivity and application compatibility, organizations must also proactively address the critical security risks associated with such large-scale technology transitions. Cybercriminals often target organizations undergoing major IT changes, seeking to exploit vulnerabilities that may arise due to shifts in the OS architecture, user workflows, and security controls. This paper outlines practical strategies for executing successful OS upgrade projects that balance operational resilience and cyber risk management. Key focus areas include proactive management of end-point security, comprehensive contingency planning and rollback procedures, strategies to sustain productivity and business continuity, effective end-user training and communication, and valuable insights into the next- generation OS deployment. By focusing on these critical aspects, organizations can navigate major OS upgrade initiatives while preserving vigorous business operations, enhancing end-user experience, and safeguarding sensitive data and systems from costly security incidents.

Redefining sustainable development in the context of transdisciplinary paradigm

The authors addressed the issue of defining sustainable development using a transdisciplinary approach, as well as systemic, process-oriented, and synergetic approaches. Sustainability must be analyzed and evaluated in the context of five crises and transitions: 1) geopolitical transition; 2) energy transition; 3) climate transition; 4) demographic and medical transition; 5) technological transition. In this sense, we introduce the concept of multiple crises to reconfigure, in a transdisciplinary manner, the three aspects of sustainable development: resilience, viability, and disaster/crisis. By understanding the dynamics of sustainability, we can identify the types of strategies and ongoing development that could be implemented through technology, science, education, state regulations, and entrepreneurship. The concept of sustainable development, formulated by the UN in the 1980s, is insufficient in providing a comprehensive solution for addressing more sustainable development and ecological issues. Therefore, the authors propose a new perspective and approach to the concept through the transdisciplinary paradigm.

Exploiting the determinant factors on the available flexibility area of ADNs at TSO‐DSO interface

AbstractActive distribution networks (ADNs) are consistently being developed as a result of increasing penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs) and energy transition from fossil‐fuel‐based to zero carbon era. This penetration poses technical challenges for the operation of both transmission and distribution networks. The determination of the active/reactive power capability of ADNs will provide useful information at the transmission and distribution systems interface. For instance, the transmission system operator (TSO) can benefit from reactive power and reserve services which are readily available by the DERs embedded within the downstream ADNs, which are managed by the distribution system operator (DSO). This article investigates the important factors affecting the active/reactive power flexibility area of ADNs such as the joint active and reactive power dispatch of DERs, dependency of the ADN's load to voltage, parallel distribution networks, and upstream network parameters. A two‐step optimization model is developed which can capture the P/Q flexibility area, by considering the above factors and grid technical constraints such as its detailed power flow model. The numerical results from the IEEE 69‐bus standard distribution feeder underscore the critical importance of considering various factors to characterize the ADN's P/Q flexibility area. Ignoring these factors can significantly impact the shape and size of Active Distribution Networks (ADN) P/Q flexibility maps. Specifically, the Constant Power load model exhibits the smallest flexibility area; connecting to a weak upstream network diminishes P/Q flexibility, and reactive power redispatch improves active power flexibility margins. Furthermore, the collaborative support of reactive power from a neighboring distribution feeder, connected in parallel with the studied ADN, expands the achievable P/Q flexibility. These observations highlight the significance of accurately characterizing transmission and distribution network parameters. Such precision is fundamental for ensuring a smooth energy transition and successful integration of hybrid renewable energy technologies into ADNs.

Investigating the Key Drivers in the Transition to Sustainable Hydrogen Transportation Fuel

Introduction. Hydrogen is a promising energy carrier that can achieve net-zero carbon emissions and decrease fossil fuel dependency. However, the importance of the driving forces in hydrogen adaptation and acceptance during the transition to this technology should be emphasised. When assessing hydrogen as a sustainable transportation fuel, defining the success criteria is vital to comprehend the benefits of hydrogen in the transition process. The transport sector is a priority area for the transition to zero emissions, which requires an understanding of the links between the key drivers of hydrogen adoption in transportation. Aim and tasks. This study aims to identify the key drivers of the hydrogen transition and explore the relationship between the transition drivers to hydrogen as a sustainable transport fuel based on a comprehensive literature review and an interpretative structural modelling approach to determine the relationship between the above-mentioned key drivers. Results. This study identified key drivers for the transition to hydrogen as a sustainable transport fuel using the Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) approach. This study examines the potential of hydrogen transition, analyses the driving forces, and examines their interrelationships in terms of driving force and dependent force. The role of technological development and transition awareness in achieving the SDGs is revealed. Robust regulatory agendas and supportive strategies, Workforce development and training based on hydrogen deployment, and Industry partnerships and collaboration are the most fundamental drivers for achieving the transition to hydrogen as a sustainable transport fuel. In addition, the advancement of hydrogen technologies in production, storage, and transportation, as well as hydrogen production and use, aligns with environmental aims, which are key factors that depend mainly on the actions of other driving forces. However, the limitations of this study include subjectivity and potential differences in the driving forces across countries and sectors. Conclusions. The deployment of green hydrogen transition for a clean energy source is critical in carbon-intensive sectors of the economy, which are characterised by key drivers and their interlinkages, such as regulatory strategies, workforce development, and industry partnerships. This has increased the flexibility of energy systems with the collaboration of the stakeholders for developing hydrogen technologies and infrastructure, considering the environmental safety, economic efficiency, and social acceptability of hydrogen.

Evaluating energy balance and environmental footprint of sludge management in BRICS countries

Climate change is driving global endeavours to achieve carbon neutrality and renewable energy expansion. Sludge, a nutrient-rich waste, holds energy potential yet poses environmental challenges that need proper management. We conducted a comprehensive life cycle assessment to evaluate the energy balance and environmental footprint of the most commonly used sludge management scenarios in BRICS countries, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Technologies such as incineration and anaerobic digestion with energy recovery units (i.e., cogeneration unit) maximize energy balance and minimize the environmental footprint, with incineration showing a superior performance. Shifting sludge management scenarios from the worst to the best can boost energy production by 1.4–98.4 times and cut the environmental footprint by 1.5–21.4 times. In 2050, these improvements could lead to a 98-fold boost in energy generation and a 25-fold drop in carbon emissions, according to the Announced Pledges Scenarios. Optimizing parameters such as volatile solids and anaerobic digestion efficiency further boosts energy output and minimizes the environmental footprint. This study offers robust evidence to support sustainable sludge management and thus promote energy recovery and carbon neutrality goals, guide technological transitions, and inform policymaking for sustainable development.

When concrete was considered sustainable: ecological crisis, technological transition and the prefabricated concrete rural houses in Jiangsu Province from 1961 to the 1980s

This paper explores the creation, development, and dissemination of prefabricated concrete rural houses in Jiangsu Province in East China from 1961 to the 1980s, an example of the technological transition provoked by the depletion of forest and timber in China. Through archival research, fieldwork and interviews, the paper examines the two waves of design and dissemination of prefabricated concrete rural houses between 1961 and 1965 and their subsequent ‘vernacularisation’ in the 1970s and the 1980s. This research provides a twofold insight into the current scholarly debates surrounding built heritage and global climate change. On one hand, it addresses a historical context of concrete overuse in contemporary China, a matter of critical importance in relation to carbon emissions and global climate change. On the other hand, it offers a counter-argument to today's call for reintroducing timber structures in many places, as evidenced by the case of East China, where the widespread use of materials like concrete was primarily a consequence of the ecological crisis following decades of deforestation and timber resource depletion. In addition, the ‘vernacularisation’ of concrete structures manifested by this case still provides lessons for today’s efforts to popularise more eco-friendly construction materials and technologies, especially in rural areas, and the prefabricated concrete houses possess potential heritage values as trackers of ecological changes.

Modeling cost-optimal fuel choices for truck, ship, and airplane fleets: The impact of sustainability commitments

For the next 25 years, numerous transport operators have introduced sustainability commitments to mitigate carbon emissions. However, static goals to reduce fossil fuel usage and adopt renewable fuel technologies pose economic risk. This study analyzes the costs of strategic fleet replacement through a mixed integer linear program. Comparing three Norwegian transport operators, we determine cost-optimal investments in fossil and renewable fuel technologies for two approaches: One integrating and the other neglecting sustainability commitments. Our findings reveal that the truck operator’s sustainability commitments incur minimal additional costs, with battery-electric trucks proving cost-effectiveness early. In contrast, ship and airplane operators exhibit significant differences in fleet replacement decisions, resulting in additional costs ranging from +6% to +31% for ships and +4% to +11% for airplanes, across fuel cost and carbon price scenarios. Norwegian carbon price regulations fall short in incentivizing a cost-competitive technology transition for ships and airplanes. Additional policies are needed to encourage gradual fleet replacement.

Prospects for digital twin technology in the building modular construction and operation phases: A game theory-based analysis

Modular construction and operation significantly impact building lifecycle management, with various stakeholders playing key roles. Digital twin technology emerges as a cutting-edge tool for information exchange, management, and forecasting in the construction sector, offering comprehensive services for diverse stakeholders. However, research primarily explores potential applications and practical solutions, with limited focus on application strategies considering all stakeholders' interests. This gap hinders the transition of digital twin technology from theoretical to practical use. Addressing this, the paper employs game theory to develop models that analyze key stakeholder decisions during the modular construction and operational phases. It creatively introduces mathematical models for complex conditions in the operation phase and conducts numerical simulations. Findings show that the diffusion rate of digital twin technology significantly affects decision-making by main stakeholders in the construction industries in two stages. The diffusion rate in other industries influences the decision of facility management contractors from different backgrounds, yet its implementation ultimately depends on their status and profitability during the operation process. These diffusion rates are influenced by various factors like government subsidies, development costs, and revenues. To enhance the application rate of digital twin technology, the paper suggests initiating pilot projects, creating project pools, expanding industry-university-research collaborations, and implementing subsidies and incentive programs.